Harold “Bud” Horell, Ph.D. Named Margaret and Chester Paluch Chair of Theology
Mundelein, Illinois (May 20, 2024)
The University of Saint Mary of the Lake is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Harold D. Horell, Ph.D., to the esteemed position of Margaret and Chester Paluch Chair of Theology. Dr. Horell’s rich academic background and deep commitment to theological scholarship and parish ministry make him an ideal candidate to further advance the intellectual life of the university, including Mundelein Seminary and the new School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization.
Dr. Horell holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Education from Boston College and an M.T.S. from Harvard Divinity School. He brings with him a wealth of experience in teaching, research, and forming leaders rooted in the Church’s apostolic mission. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Religious Education at Fordham University, where he has made significant contributions to the field of theological inquiry. His research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including the intersection of theology and culture, the Catholic intellectual tradition, and contemporary issues in theology.
Established to cultivate the scholarly environment within the seminary and university, the Margaret and Chester Paluch Chair of Theology serves as a beacon of academic excellence, inviting leading scholars like Dr. Horell to share their knowledge and wisdom with the community. Throughout their tenure, Paluch professors engage in teaching, lecturing, and collaborative research endeavors, fostering a spirit of intellectual inquiry and growth among students and faculty alike.
Dr. Horell’s appointment signifies a commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship. With a central focus on theology, the Paluch Chair encourages a broad range of academic inquiry, encompassing various facets of religious studies and theology from multiple academic vantage points.